Recent Piano Testimonials

I’ve always loved the sound of the piano since childhood, but I never had the chance to take lessons when I was younger. About 10 years ago I bought a digital piano and tried to teach myself with online courses. I even had a few lessons at a music school, but as their focus was mainly on children, I struggled to stay motivated.

When I came across a recommendation for Michael on a local forum, I decided to try an introductory session and I instantly knew I had found the perfect teacher. Michael is calm, professional, patient, and exceptionally talented. I’m right at the beginning of my piano journey, and with my fortnightly lessons I already feel I’m learning so much. I really appreciate how he teaches theory alongside practical playing, as it makes everything click into place and gives me a deeper understanding of music. Michael explains things clearly, makes even tricky concepts easy to grasp, and always reassures me when theory feels a little daunting.

I also like that there’s the option to take exams if you want to, but there’s never any pressure — Michael is supportive whatever your goals are. I’m thoroughly enjoying my lessons, feel inspired every week, and can’t wait to see how far I progress with his guidance. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.

Under Michael’s tuition, Grade 1 Trinity College London Theory of Music Exam has been achieved gaining a distinction with 95 marks out of a 100.

Laura Owen (Project Manager – Civil Service)

Having first taken piano lessons over 30 years ago and regrettably discontinuing due to alternate youthful distractions, I decided that now I have reached a more mature outlook in life and have the time to dedicate myself to practice, that I would seek out a tutor to help guide me along.

Having started lessons with Mike, I feel that his tutoring has been invaluable. Split between both theory and practical applications I feel that I have taken a much more structured and expertly guided approach to learning. Mike is extremely patient and knowledgeable and he has helped me develop a much better understanding of each piece of music that I have moved onto. At first, I assumed that I would just be able to learn to ‘play’ again, however, my time spent with Mike has made me realise that the theory side plays an important part in developing as a pianist and I have really enjoyed developing this new skill. I am very much looking forward to progressing and hope to spend many years learning alongside Mike.

Nick Palmer (Retired Dry Cleaner Proprietor/House Husband)

I have been having piano lessons with Mike for some time now and am delighted, week on week, to be getting better at playing and more confident. Before starting lessons with Mike, I had been thinking for a while about taking up piano again, having played to about Grade 5 standard as a child. I thoroughly enjoy coming along to piano lessons and only wish I had taken it back up sooner!

Mike is patient, jolly and encouraging. He is very knowledgeable and this helps me to understand a piece of music in more detail and become a better all-round musician. Mike poses the right level of challenge in each lesson, giving me plenty to get stuck into, while also understanding that sometimes work and life can be busy.

When I first begun lessons, Mike asked some questions to find out more about what I wanted to gain from learning. Aside from the pure fun of playing piano (something I am enjoying in abundance!), I wanted to be good enough at piano to play, for instance, in church. Mike makes sure to link my developing skills to how I can apply them to various contexts, helping me to reach these goals and expand my capability as a musician.

Mike is an excellent teacher and a kind, supportive person. If you are considering learning piano, whether as a beginner or a returner, I can highly recommend Mike.

Rachael E. (Project Manager for a Charity)

I have been taking piano lessons with Michael and I have to say that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have always had an interest in playing the piano but never thought I could actually play an instrument.

Since starting piano lessons, I have learned also about music theory and technique. Michael is patient and encouraging, which has helped me to progress and gain confidence in my abilities.

Playing the piano has become a new passion of mine and I look forward to each lesson as an opportunity to learn something new and challenge myself. It’s amazing to see how far I have come in such a short amount of time, and I am excited to continue improving and mastering this beautiful instrument.

I highly recommend learning the piano to anyone who has a love and desire to learn something new.

Sharron Jeffery (Mature Student)

Although I have always been interested in music I was never interested in playing an instrument until I left school in 2001. Since then I have tried several instruments including keyboard, piano, drums and guitar.

Until taking lessons with Mike I have always tried to teach myself by watching videos online on websites such as YouTube. This has worked to a certain extent but what I have found is that I can play a few songs but not very well. I recently decided I wanted more structure to my learning and to become proficient at one instrument rather than knowing how to play lots of instruments to an ‘OK’ standard. I searched for ‘piano lessons’ on Google and found several tutors within my local area. The thing that attracted me to Mike’s lessons was the number of genuine reviews and recommendations that he has on his website from a varied demographic.

My progress so far: despite having some basic knowledge, both myself and Mike decided together that we would start from the very start and work through both the theory and the practical as if I had never played before. This was fine for me as I knew I needed to ‘iron out’ a few self-taught bad habits. Three months have passed since my first lesson: due to my own time constraints I chose to take a lesson once every two weeks and the lessons themselves are one hour long usually split 50/50 between theory and practical. After six lessons and just a few hours in my spare time at home I am now in a position where I am ready to sit my Grade 1 theory exam. I am consistently achieving above 95% on practice papers, this is an amazing achievement as I had no prior knowledge on the theory side of things. It’s worth noting that the exams are totally optional and Mike doesn’t put any pressure on the student to take them as he appreciates that exams aren’t for everyone.

Mike made me feel comfortable from the start and the pace of the lessons is perfect; with the theory we don’t move on until it is clear I have fully understood the topic we are covering and with the practical, we don’t move on until Mike is happy with my performance.

If anyone is reading this and wonders whether or not to give Mike’s tuition a go, then just try an introductory lesson. If you decide it’s not for you, then there is no obligation to carry on but I’m sure you will!

In November 2018, under Mike’s tutelage, I achieved Trinity College London Grade 1 Theory of Music exam with distinction gaining 94 marks out of 100; in May 2019 Grade 2 Theory of Music exam with distinction gaining 98 marks out of 100 and in November 2019 Grade 3 Theory of Music exam with distinction gaining 99 marks out of 100.

Chris Hall (Engineer)

I’ve recently come back to the piano after a hiatus of around 15 years. I learnt as a child and made it through the grades, but such a long time away left me rusty and struggling to play my favourites. I’ve been taking lessons with Mike for a few months now, and already my playing has transformed. Mike generously shares his immense knowledge to help guide an interpretation that is in keeping with the context of each piece, and encourages the development of your own personal style and musicianship. Lessons in Mike’s cosy studio are a blend of technique, playing through pieces and working on tricky sections, with musical theory woven in throughout. Mike suggests interesting pieces to learn, always taking my own interests into account and choosing pieces that help to broaden my horizons and advance my skills. Already, I feel like I can play with more ease, greater expression and I’m starting to find softer tones I didn’t think I’d be able to play – all thanks to Mike’s encouraging and warm approach.

It’s a joy to learn from someone absolutely brimming with passion for music, I can’t recommend Mike’s teaching enough!

Hannah Clemmens (Programme Manager)

I had a couple of years of piano tuition when I was a child and enjoyed it but never really thought much of having to practise but liked the idea of being able to play! Years have past and I’ve always wanted to go back to lessons but never quite got round to it. I decided it was time I finally did something about it and started searching for local teachers. Michael’s approach to teaching suited me and now I find myself wanting to practise! Michael’s been great at judging how quickly I learn and picking out appropriate books that follow a systematic approach. The lessons are in a relaxed atmosphere and Michael is extremely encouraging without any harsh words or judgement. I usually spend most of our lessons smiling and eager to learn more.

Fiona Morgan MSWW (Will & Estate Planner)

A Testimonial to the Excellent Tutelage of Dr Michael Spacie.

I had lessons when I was younger, but a busy job and then children meant I played piano less and less. Every now and then I found myself determined to pick it up again but without any formal structure it sadly lapsed. That said, I considered myself a reasonably good player!

Then, in my early 50’s and children flown the nest, I had more time and decided to finally put some rigour back into my playing! I searched for a tutor, came across Mikes’ site and was impressed by his qualifications and the other testimonials. So I decided to give it a try.

I’m not sure what I expected. Maybe I was naive and a little too sure of myself! I talked to Mike about what I’d done in the past, explained my current situation and played a little, probably expecting high praise! Mike’s response – “I’m going to treat you as a novice”!

He was, of course, absolutely right. Years of laziness and bad habits had not created the player I considered I was! Mike was kind, respectful and professional. I was taken aback by the detail in the things he was picking up on, on what I would have considered easy pieces. I can see the absolute sense in what he was doing, bringing me back to basics and enforcing the theory.

So, I would just like to offer some advice. If, in reading this, you’re searching for a teacher who will gloss over the bad habits and allow you to progress without ever really “understanding” the emotion and technicalities of the music you’re playing, then you’re on the wrong web site. Mike’s knowledge and talent is very apparent from the start. If you’re wanting to really play then your search is over. Contact Mike immediately!

Mike has inspired me to enjoy playing again and to be determined to stick at it. And hopefully one day move on from a novice player! He has my thanks and absolute recommendation. A superb teacher.

Andrew Prydderch (Associate Director, NHS).

Music and music theory are completely alien to me but I wanted to learn to play the piano because I love to listen to the sound it makes with my eyes closed. That’s how layman I am. I found Michael on a quick Google search and went for a first lesson, not knowing what to expect. And since then, I’ve always come out of the lesson with a huge (almost pathetic) smile on my face because suddenly, music and its theory make sense.

Michael is so patient, accommodating, encouraging, knowledgeable – the list goes on. To put it simply – I couldn’t have wished for a better music teacher and every day I feel lucky that he teaches me. Using a combination of music theory and piano books, each lesson is a blend of learning and playing. Homework is taken seriously and checked thoroughly before the next lesson starts. And yet, the atmosphere is so relaxed and calming.

I would HIGHLY recommend Michael to anyone who wants a skilful, passionate, friendly teacher to guide them into piano-playing excellence. I know I can’t wait for my next lesson.

Bindu Painkal-Bowns (Pharmacologist)

I started piano lessons with Michael in October 2025. I had always had a love for music and the piano and felt it was time to attend lessons in order to improve my piano playing. As quite a nervous adult learner, I found Michael to be a very patient and encouraging teacher. He has the ability to inspire with tailored lesson plans and his extensive musical ability and knowledge and enthusiasm is infectious. Michael is extremely helpful in explaining things and he has a calm, supportive and non-judgemental teaching style. I would definitely recommend Michael to anyone who has always wanted to learn to play/improve their piano playing.

Nicky R. (Retired Purchasing Officer)

I have been taking lessons from Mike for a while now and I am really happy with how much I have already learned. I achieved my Grade 8 a long time ago and I am now working with Mike for my Associate diploma in piano performance. Mike has a very effective teaching style and he has already taught me different styles of playing and techniques that were previously unknown to me and I feel that my playing has improved a lot.

Sarah Newill (Head of Business Operations)

I have always wanted to learn the piano, but always found the excuse not to take it up!

At the age of 56 I took the decision to make a start on the journey and actively looked to source a tutor. After a couple of months into 2025 I came across Michael. Speaking with Michael over the phone I knew this was the type of tuition I was looking for.

This followed with a very informative introduction lesson where we discussed my goals and what I should expect from the lessons. Initially, I just wanted to play!

With Michael’s relaxed, encouraging and patient approach I am now able to put a tune together and working towards theory exams.

I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Michael, he has extensive knowledge and experience in music along with a professional approach.

It’s never too late to learn something new!

Roger Whinfrey (Construction Worker – Semi-Retired)

Beyond Grade 8

I have recently returned to having piano lessons with Mike after I had to take a break when I had my son. Mike is teaching me to play beyond Grade 8 level, helping me achieve a level of skill I never thought possible. His unique teaching style brings out the best in my playing, allowing me to not only improve my technical ability, but also to understand and appreciate the composer’s intentions. Mike’s approach goes far beyond traditional piano instruction and he has opened up a whole new dimension to my playing. He’s currently teaching me how to weight my fingers and arms and use my entire body to produce different sounds and tones from the piano which is a technique I’ve never explored before.

I would not hesitate to recommend Mike, especially to anyone aiming to develop their skills at Grade 8 level and beyond. His dedication and expertise make him an outstanding piano teacher.

Sarah Newill (Head of Business Operations)

I have been getting piano lessons with Michael after learning to play as a child. It has been an enjoyable experience improving my technique and discovering new music.

Michael is patient with a focussed attention to detail in both the music and technique. I would recommend piano lessons with Michael for anyone looking to get back into playing as an adult and have found him very flexible in terms of availability and fitting lessons in around work.

Dr Morwenna Read (Hospital Theatre Anaesthetist)

You are never too old to learn

As a young child I was always fascinated by people being able to play the piano. Over the years the fascination stayed with me but work, family and life in general just went by and I never seriously thought about it. Now in my early seventies I decided that if I didn’t do it now then I never would. Finding the right tutor was important to me and in Michael I found the person to help me in my quest. Michael is a highly qualified and accomplished pianist and you can tell that he enjoys teaching you and it’s not just a job to him. He has infinite patience and works with you no matter how long it takes to master a piece of music. At times my brain doesn’t always reach my fingers and I end up playing all the wrong notes, I laugh at myself and Michael laughs with me – not at me. He encourages you at every stage and never makes you feel foolish or inadequate which in my mind shows what a good tutor he is. It is amazing that starting as a complete beginner I can now play pieces of music and also have a good basic understanding of music theory. I hope my story encourages at least one of you to take up playing the piano, if I can do it then anyone can. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks – not true – it may take a little longer but with the right tutor you will achieve anything you put your mind to. For me that tutor is Michael.

June R. (Retired Secretary)